Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Red Army continue unbeaten streak? we think

To be honest when the scores start getting into double digits i can't keep track, but i think we did at least tie the Oldtimers tuesday night. The young guns of HHooppffee, Pullen, and Fillmore scored the bulk of the goals with Fillmore filling the net. Although i must say i don't think Brett scored from outside the top of the crease, at least he knows his range. Brian, Ryan, and Robbie had flashes and battled all night with many a good opportunity. Tommy was back after his 1 game hiatus, good thing he didn't get suspended for missing last game. He was there to make some stellar saves again as Mark, Gord, Calvin, and Mike rotated around to make sure Tom got lots of action. A special mention should also go out to the rotating referee system that seemed to do okay, although it was Gord having to play the role of levelheaded peacemaker, again. The game was very entertaining as action was back and forth, maybe with a few minor tweeks in the defensive zone the Army will be able to come out on top next week. Until next tuesday this is The non-sissy reporter signing off, See you at the rink.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Injury bug hits the RA/Sunday night in Carstairs

Asst. Coach Mike learned of the latest war wound sunday afternoon before the army took to the ice that night. Tyler "bucky-cole" Brooks has gone down with what is being called an upper body injury(fractured rib) he will be out 4-6 weeks. So the reporting falls on the shoulders of the fellow army combatants. That night the army took to the ice with 7 regulars, 1 new goalie, 1 borrowed player, and 1 extremely fast and late player (Ryan). The first was a rough start as the army tried to gel with the awkward lineup changes and fell behind early. Then the second period started and Gordie found his legs and his shot to get the army back in it. Newcomer Daniel also found his game in the pipes to keep Carstairs close. Coach Kerr then had the idea to try and keep the shifts short and this worked for a little while until the flood after 2 periods. And at the start of the 3rd period is the controversy of the ref saying we started the period at 7-6 and mike saying we were tied. Either way with Calvin burying a couple of rebounds off of Mark's point shots the last minute heroics were set. As Daniel left the net and Robbie jumps on, Calvin found Mike sneaking in off the point and he beat the goalie blocker side to either put the RA ahead or draw the RA even. either way it was not a loss and hopefully the tide has turned. We will find out on Tuesday night with hopefully a few more bodies. As Calvin was leaving Gord did give one parting shot "Tell that sissy if he can't make it too the games at least keep the blog up to date" Until next RA battle I'm OUT

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Long Closed Door Meeting Halts RA Reporting.

Following last night's 2 goal loss to the O 4 squad from Olds, the RA were not able to speak with media and team bloggers. The team was quiet as they went to their mini-vans, trucks, and cars and were told to not speak about their performance until after a team hearing with GM Steve Filmore. More details to come.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Beaver Buzz, Poor Breakouts and Neutral Zone Turn-overs Cost Red Army!

The RA went into Tuesday night's home game against the Predators knowing they had to start their second back-to-back game stretch of the year with a win. It didn't start well when Hopfe spent the first 4 minutes of the game closet drinking with his old pal - Beaver Buzz. He was buzzed alright, spending much of the first period on his side. Tyler and Calvin return to the line up after missing last game's bus, and Jay came off his month and a half hiadus, as the starting line, but were rudely awakened with a minus within the first minute - the first of about 10. They admit to feeling the pressure from comments made by General Manager Steve about 20 seconds before puck drop - something about being on the trading block due to poor professionalism and work ethic. However, Steve must have felt pressure from hisself as on many occassions in the first he came to the bench shaking his head and muttering to his Costco stick. Gord, Mike, Mark, and Brian all played solid, veteran-like games; barely being noticed, which is hopefully a good thing. Casey presented the 4 fans with the highlight of the night, with his quick finger on the the horn off button...oh yeah, and going roofdaddy from the bottom of the circle late in the third period. Once again, Tommy was stellar, only to be letdown by his team's lack of goal scoring - 11 goals. He was pulled with 1 minute to go, but to no avail, as the RA fell to the Predators 12-11 (or something like that?). Hopfe, or Happy, or Hawpe, or Hoppe, or Poppy (still working on spelling) postgame comments: "I hope Tyler can learn how to spell my last name, and try to remember my first name." Red Army go again tonight in Olds with nothing but revenge on their minds and hopefully not to much lead in their pants.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Clutch Reporting Performance by Mark

Mark said...
Sundre Sabres return to Didsbury.Tyler and Calvin miss the Bus.Last minute call-ups Ryan Miller and Pat Turville from the mountainview Colts minor-league team help on bailout.May be difficult for missing players to re-enter lineup as rookies shine in 6-5 victory. Tom Hadway stands tall between the pipes on two breakaway shut-downs. Player/GM/Scout Steve Fillmore at approx. 98% on face-off wins. B. Fillmore, J. Kerr the semi-committed minor leauguers shone tonight with Kerr initiating the scoring for the RA.In the light of the great perfomances by the RA call-ups, Casey no doubt feared for his place in the line-up and showed his committment to the team by both filling up and taking the water bottles home. His spot may not be secure as with the warmer weather, players were willing to start their own vehicles. The fate of Calvin and Bucky still hangs in the balance as reports noticed Fillmore on the phone right after the game. Next game is Tuesday against the Carstairs Predators.
January 6, 2009 11:48 PM

Monday, January 5, 2009

4 on 4 Style Works for Red Army - Sunday, January 5/09.

With lots of open ice and turkey in their guts, the RA came out strong on Sunday night. With only 7 skaters on each side, both teams decided 4 on 4 was the way to go. The line of Rob and Gord played a strong puck control game, keeping the Brewers hemmed in their own zone for much of the game. Calvin had about 4 to 7 goals and Tyler chipped in with 3 to 5. Mike had a big 3rd period (or atleast it appeared that way), scoring 2 or 3 Bobby Orresque goals. As usual, Mark was a pillar on the blue line and Brian had tons of offensive chances. Chris held the Brewers goaless until about the 5 minute mark of the second period - then the RA let off their defensive stronghold and the scoring chances came furiously for the Brewers. The RA held on for a close about 15 - 5 win. Quote of the game - "Neither" by Rob, when responding to this question: "Are you guys the scoring or checking line?" The Red Army's next game goes Tuesday night against what should be a much improved Sundre Sabers squad.